Passage Two
Stiletto heels could be banned from the workplace because of health and safety reasons, according to British Trade Union bosses. The Trade Union Congress, predominantly male, has proposed a motion arguing that high heels are disrespectful to women while they also contribute to long term injuries. They propose instead that women wear “sensible shoes” with an inch heel limit in an attempt to avoid future foot and back pain as well as injuries. The motion is due to be debated at next month’s conference. The motion states: “Congress believes high heels may look glamorous on the Hollywood catwalks but are completely in appropriate for the day-to-day working environment. Feet bear the burden of daily life, and for many workers prolonged standing, badly fitted footwear, and in particular high heels can be a hazard. Around two million days a year are lost through sickness as a result of lower limb disorders. Wearing high heels can cause long-term foot problems and also serious foot, knee and back pain and damaged joints. Many employers in the retail sector force women workers to wear high heels as part of their dress code. More must be done to raise awareness of this problem so that women workers and their feet are protected.”
Nadline Dorries, the Tory Member of Parliament, however criticized the motion and said the extra height heels give women can help them when in the workplace. “I’m 5ft 3in and need every inch of my Christian Louboutin heels to look my male colleagues in the eye,” she said. “If high heels were banned in Westminster, no one would be able to find me. The Trade Union leaders need to get real, stop using obvious sexist tactics by discussing women’s stilettos to divert tension away from Labor chaos.”
Michelle Dewberry, a former winner of The Apprentice, said the motion was patronizing(自认为高人一等的). “This is absolutely ridiculous and I think these union officials should be spending their time dealing with more important issues”, she said. “I’m at work in five-inch heels and perfectly able to do my job. Heels are sexy, they boost your confidence and they are empowering to women. I can’t imagine these officials debating a motion about how tightly men should wear their ties. Wearing heels is a personal choice.”
6. Which of the following best explains what stiletto heels are?
A. Very high heels that women wear. B. Shoes with an inch heel limit
C. High heels most appropriate for catwalks. D. Shoes most suitable for retail sector worker
7. Why do the Trade Union leaders propose to ban stiletto heels from the workplace?
A. Because they don’t want to have the workplace look like Hollywood.
B. Because they think the stiletto heels give women excuse to ask for a sick leave.
C. Because the shoes are believed to be harmful to people’s health.
D. Because they hold the idea that women themselves should decide what to wear.
8. Why did Nadline Dorries criticize the motion?
A. Because she feels the extra height helps people to find her.
B. Because she feels the extra height improves her vision.
C. Because she feels the extra height adds to her personal charm.
D. Because she feels the extra height makes her more confident.
9. What is Michelle Dewberry’s opinion on the motion?
A. The union leaders should mind their own business.
B. Women are perfectly able to decide what to wear.
C. Union officials shouldn’t have debates on any motions.
D. Women will never be hurt wearing the stiletto heels.
10. What can you infer from the passage?
A. Union leaders care about women employees very much.
B. Women think differently from male union leaders.
C. There is going to be a heated debate over this motion.
D. Height means power and confidence at workplaces.
Part Two Listening Comprehension (35’)
Section A (1’×15 = 15’)
Directions: In this section, you will hear 8 short conversations and 2 long conversations. At the end of each conversation, one or more questions will be asked about what was said. Both the conversation and the questions will be spoken only once. After each question there will be a pause. During the pause, you must read the four choices marked A), B), C) and D), and decide which is the best answer. Then mark the corresponding letter on Answer sheet with a single line through the centre.
11. A. Invite four people to dinner.
B. Book a corner table for six.
C. Give a birthday party in the restaurant.
D. Book a table for four people at 6:00.
12. A. Teacher and student. B. Patient and doctor.
C. Customer and waiter. D. Husband and wife.
13. A. Walking. B. Sightseeing.
C. Driving. D. Shopping.
14. A. The man lives in New York.
B. The man enjoys his trip.
C. The man is going to phone the woman.
D. Someone is waiting for him.
15. A. She will decide later.
B. She doesn’t care for either.
C. She doesn’t want to go out.
D. She wants the man to decide.
16. A. Frank’s car was accidentally lost.
B. Frank was killed in a car accident.
C. Frank fell out of a car.
D. Frank survived a car accident.
17. A. At 8:30. B. At 9:00.
C. At 9:10. D. At 10:00.
18. A. Coming back for a later show.
B. Waiting in a queue.
C. Coming back in five minutes.
D. Not going to the movie today.
Conversation One
Questions 19 to 22 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
19. A. 80 pounds a month.
B. 100 pounds a month.
C. Ranging from 80 to 100 pounds a month.
D. 180 pounds a month.
20. A. 2 bedrooms with the kitchen and dining room separated or combined.
B. 2 bedrooms with kitchen and dining room separated.
C. 2 bedrooms with kitchen and dining room combined.
D. 2 bedrooms without the kitchen and dining room.
21. A. 0.5 mile.
B. 1 mile.
C. 1.5 miles.
D. 2 miles.
22. A. Look for more houses that might meet their needs.
B. Go to the ideal house and have a look.
C. Talk with their parents about the rental fees.
D. Sign the contract terms.
Conversation Two
Questions 23 to 25 are based on the conversation you have just heard.
23. A. Their different plans for summer vacation.
B. A vacation without the sea.
C. The silver beams of the moon reflected on the ocean.
D. A group of tourists going to the mountain every summer.
24. A. To go swimming every day.
B. To stay in the mountains as usual.
C. To go to the seaside.
D. To enjoy the silver beams of the moon.
25. A. He likes swimming.
B. He will still go to the mountains this summer.
C. He doesn’t want to go to the seaside.
D. He will go to a seaside city alone.
